Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

Significant estimates include the allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL"), the amount and timing of expected cash flows from covered assets and the FDIC indemnification asset, and the fair values of investment securities and other financial instruments. Management has used information provided by third party valuation specialists to assist in the determination of the fair values of investment securities.

Significant estimates were also made in the determination of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the FSB Acquisition, the most significant of which related to loans acquired with evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination, the FDIC indemnification asset and certain investment securities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of BankUnited, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary and BankUnited Investment Services, Inc. ("BUIS"). BUIS was a Florida insurance agency providing wealth management and financial planning services. The operations of BUIS were discontinued in May 2013 and were not significant to the consolidated results of operations or financial position of the Company for any period presented. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fair Value Measurements

Certain of the Company's assets and liabilities are reflected in the financial statements at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring basis. Investment securities available for sale and derivative instruments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Assets measured at fair value or fair value less cost to sell on a non-recurring basis may include collateral dependent impaired loans, OREO, loans held for sale, goodwill, mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") and assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations. These non-recurring fair value measurements typically involve the application of acquisition accounting, lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or the measurement of impairment of certain assets.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs used to determine fair value measurements into three levels based on the observability and transparency of the inputs:

Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than level 1 inputs, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in less active markets and other inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs supported by limited or no market activity or data and inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

The fair value hierarchy requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in estimating fair value. Unobservable inputs are utilized in determining fair value measurements only to the extent that observable inputs are unavailable. The need to use unobservable inputs generally results from a lack of market liquidity and diminished observability of actual trades or assumptions that would otherwise be available to value a particular asset or liability.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recorded as of the end of the reporting period.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, both interest bearing and non-interest bearing, amounts on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank and federal funds sold. Cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less.

Investment Securities

Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and reported at amortized cost. Debt securities that the Company may not have the intent to hold to maturity and marketable equity securities are classified as available for sale at the time of acquisition and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, excluded from earnings and reported in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), a separate component of stockholders' equity. Securities classified as available for sale may be used as part of the Company's asset/liability management strategy and may be sold in response to liquidity needs, regulatory changes or changes in interest rates, prepayment risk or other market factors. The Company does not maintain a trading portfolio. Purchase premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized as adjustments to yield over the expected lives of the securities using the level yield method. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

The Company reviews investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") on a quarterly basis or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that a potential impairment may have occurred. An investment security is impaired if its fair value is lower than its amortized cost basis. The Company considers many factors in determining whether a decline in fair value below amortized cost represents OTTI, including, but not limited to:


•	the Company's intent to hold the security until maturity or for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value;


•	whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis;


•	the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than amortized cost;


•	adverse changes in expected cash flows;


•	collateral values and performance;


•	the payment structure of the security including levels of subordination or over-collateralization;


•	changes in the economic or regulatory environment;


•	the general market condition of the geographic area or industry of the issuer;


•	the issuer's financial condition, performance and business prospects; and


•	changes in credit ratings.

The relative importance assigned to each of these factors varies depending on the facts and circumstances pertinent to the individual security being evaluated.

The Company recognizes OTTI of a debt security for which there has been a decline in fair value below amortized cost if (i) management intends to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The amount by which amortized cost exceeds the fair value of a debt security that is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired is separated into a component representing the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and a component related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The measurement of the credit loss component is equal to the difference between the debt security's amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows discounted at the security's effective yield. If the Company intends to sell the security, or if it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery, an OTTI write-down is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the security.

The evaluation of OTTI of marketable equity securities focuses on whether evidence supports recovery of the unrealized loss within a timeframe consistent with temporary impairment. The entire amount by which cost basis exceeds the fair value of an equity security that is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired is recognized in earnings.

Federal Reserve Bank Stock

The Bank, as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") system, is required to maintain an investment in the stock of the FRB. No market exists for this stock, and the investment can be liquidated only through redemption by the FRB, at the discretion of and subject to conditions imposed by the FRB. The stock has no readily determinable fair value and is carried at cost.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") system, is required to maintain an investment in the stock of the FHLB. No market exists for this stock, and the investment can be liquidated only through redemption by the FHLB, at the discretion of and subject to conditions imposed by the FHLB. The stock has no readily determinable fair value and is carried at cost. Historically, FHLB stock redemptions have been at par value, which equals the Company's carrying value. The Company monitors its investment in FHLB stock for impairment through review of recent financial results of the FHLB, including capital adequacy and liquidity position, dividend payment history, redemption history and information from credit agencies. The Company has not identified any indicators of impairment of FHLB stock.

Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated with the intent to sell in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, determined in the aggregate. These loans are generally sold on a non-recourse basis. Loans were generally sold with servicing released prior to March 31, 2014 and generally sold with servicing retained subsequent to that date. Gains and losses on the sale of loans recognized in earnings are measured based on the difference between proceeds received, including the value of retained servicing, and the carrying amount of the loans, inclusive of deferred origination fees and costs, if any.

Loans not originated for sale in the secondary market and not otherwise acquired with the intent to sell are transferred into the held for sale classification at the lower of carrying amount or fair value when they are specifically identified for sale and a formal plan exists to sell them. Acquired credit impaired loans accounted for in pools are removed from the pools at their carrying amounts when they are sold.

Loans

The Company's loan portfolio contains 1-4 single family residential first mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, multi-family, owner and non-owner occupied commercial real estate, construction and land, commercial and industrial and consumer loans and direct financing leases. A portion of the Company's loan portfolio consists of loans acquired from the FDIC in the FSB Acquisition, the substantial majority of which are covered under the Loss Sharing Agreements. Loans covered under the Loss Sharing Agreements are referred to as covered loans. The Company segregates its loan portfolio between covered and non-covered loans. Non-covered loans include those originated or purchased since the FSB Acquisition ("new loans") and loans acquired in the FSB Acquisition for which loss share coverage has terminated. Loans acquired in the FSB Acquisition are further segregated between those acquired with evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination (Acquired Credit Impaired or "ACI" loans) and those acquired without evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination ("non-ACI" loans).

ACI Loans

ACI loans are those for which, at acquisition, management determined it probable that the Company would be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due. These loans were recorded at estimated fair value at the time of the FSB Acquisition, measured as the present value of all cash flows expected to be received, discounted at an appropriately risk-weighted discount rate. Initial cash flow expectations incorporated significant assumptions regarding prepayment rates, frequency of default and loss severity.

The difference between total contractually required payments on ACI loans and the cash flows expected to be received represents non-accretable difference. The excess of all cash flows expected to be received over the Company's recorded investment in the loans represents accretable yield and is recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the expected life of the loans.

The Company aggregated ACI 1-4 single family residential mortgage loans and home equity loans and lines of credit with similar risk characteristics into homogenous pools at acquisition. A composite interest rate and composite expectations of future cash flows are used in accounting for each pool. These loans were aggregated into pools based on the following characteristics:


•	delinquency status;


•	product type, in particular, amortizing as opposed to option adjustable rate mortgages ("ARMs");


•	loan-to-value ratio; and


•	borrower FICO score.

Loans that do not have similar risk characteristics, primarily commercial and commercial real estate loans, are accounted for on an individual loan basis using interest rates and expectations of cash flows for each loan.

The Company is required to develop reasonable expectations about the timing and amount of cash flows to be collected related to ACI loans and to continue to update those estimates over the lives of the loans. Expected cash flows from ACI loans are updated quarterly. If it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected from a loan or pool at acquisition plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimates after acquisition, the loan or pool is considered impaired and a valuation allowance is established by a charge to the provision for loan losses. If there is a significant increase in expected cash flows from a loan or pool, the Company first reduces any valuation allowance previously established by the amount of the increase in the present value of expected cash flows, and then recalculates the amount of accretable yield for that loan or pool. The adjustment of accretable yield due to an increase in expected cash flows, as well as changes in expected cash flows due to changes in interest rate indices and changes in prepayment assumptions is accounted for prospectively as a change in yield. Additional cash flows expected to be collected are transferred from non-accretable difference to accretable yield and the amount of periodic accretion is adjusted accordingly over the remaining life of the loan or pool.

The Company may resolve an ACI loan either through a sale of the loan, by working with the customer and obtaining partial or full repayment, by short sale of the collateral, or by foreclosure. When a loan accounted for in a pool is resolved, it is removed from the pool at its carrying amount. In the event of a sale of the loan, the Company recognizes a gain or loss on sale based on the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the loan. For loans resolved through pre-payment or short sale of the collateral, the Company recognizes the difference between the amount of the payment received and the carrying amount of the loan in the income statement line item "Income from resolution of covered assets, net". For loans resolved through foreclosure, the difference between the fair value of the collateral obtained through foreclosure less estimated cost to sell and the carrying amount of the loan is recognized in the income statement line item "Income from resolution of covered assets, net". Any remaining accretable discount related to loans not accounted for in pools that are resolved by full or partial pre-payment, short sale or foreclosure is recognized in interest income at the time of resolution, to the extent collected.

Payments received earlier than expected or in excess of expected cash flows from sales or other resolutions may result in the carrying value of a pool being reduced to zero even though outstanding contractual balances and expected cash flows remain related to loans in the pool. Once the carrying value of a pool is reduced to zero, any future proceeds, which may include cash or real estate acquired in foreclosure, from the remaining loans, representing further realization of accretable yield, are recognized as interest income upon receipt.

Non-ACI Loans

Loans acquired without evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination were initially recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Non-ACI 1-4 single family residential mortgage loans and home equity loans and lines of credit with similar risk characteristics were aggregated into pools for accounting purposes at acquisition. Non-ACI loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted for unamortized acquisition date fair value adjustments and the ALLL. Interest income is accrued based on the UPB and, with the exception of home equity loans and lines of credit, acquisition date fair value adjustments are amortized using the level-yield method over the expected lives of the related loans. For non-ACI 1-4 family residential mortgage loans accounted for in pools, prepayment estimates are used in determining the periodic amortization of acquisition date fair value adjustments. Acquisition date fair value adjustments related to revolving home equity loans and lines of credit are amortized on a straight-line basis.

Non-accrual Loans

New commercial loans are placed on non-accrual status when (i) management has determined that full repayment of all contractual principal and interest is in doubt, or (ii) the loan is past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. New and non-ACI residential and consumer loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when 90 days of interest is due and unpaid. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, uncollected interest accrued is reversed and charged to interest income. Commercial loans are returned to accrual status only after all past due principal and interest has been collected and full repayment of remaining contractual principal and interest is reasonably assured. Residential and consumer loans are returned to accrual status when there is no longer 90 days of interest due and unpaid. When a residential or consumer loan is returned to accrual status, interest accrued at the date the loan was placed on non-accrual status along with interest foregone during the non-accrual period are recognized as interest income. Past due status of loans is determined based on the contractual next payment due date. Loans less than 30 days past due are reported as current.

Contractually delinquent ACI loans are not classified as non-accrual as long as discount continues to be accreted on the loans or pools.

Impaired Loans

New and non-ACI loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements. Commercial relationships with committed balances greater than or equal to $750,000 that have internal risk ratings of substandard or doubtful and are on non-accrual status are individually evaluated for impairment. The likelihood of loss related to loans assigned internal risk ratings of substandard or doubtful is considered elevated due to their identified credit weaknesses. Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment include payment status, financial condition of the borrower, collateral value, and other factors impacting the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.

An ACI pool or loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all the cash flows expected at acquisition, plus additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimates after acquisition. 1-4 single family residential and home equity ACI loans accounted for in pools are evaluated collectively for impairment on a pool by pool basis based on expected pool cash flows. Commercial ACI loans are individually evaluated for impairment based on expected cash flows from the individual loans. Discount continues to be accreted on ACI loans or pools as long as there are expected future cash flows in excess of the current carrying amount of the loans or pools.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

In certain situations due to economic or legal reasons related to a borrower's financial difficulties, the Company may grant a concession to the borrower for other than an insignificant period of time that it would not otherwise consider. At that time, except for ACI loans accounted for in pools, the related loan is classified as a troubled-debt restructuring ("TDR") and considered impaired. The concessions granted may include rate reductions, principal forgiveness, payment forbearance, extensions of maturity at rates of interest below that commensurate with the risk profile of the loans, modification of payment terms and other actions intended to minimize economic loss. A TDR is generally placed on non-accrual status at the time of the modification unless the borrower has no history of missed payments for six months prior to the restructuring. If the borrower performs pursuant to the modified loan terms for at least six months and the remaining loan balance is considered collectible, the loan is returned to accrual status. Modified ACI loans accounted for in pools are not accounted for as TDRs, are not separated from the pools and are not classified as impaired loans.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The ALLL represents the amount considered adequate by management to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The ALLL relates to (i) new loans, (ii) estimated additional losses arising on non-ACI loans subsequent to the FSB Acquisition and (iii) impairment recognized as a result of decreases in expected cash flows on ACI loans due to further credit deterioration since acquisition. The ALLL consists of both specific and general components. The ALLL is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision charged to earnings. Individual loans are charged off against the ALLL when management determines them to be uncollectible.

An assessment of collateral value is made at no later than 120 days delinquency for new open- and closed-end loans secured by residential real estate and any outstanding loan balance in excess of fair value less cost to sell is charged off at no later than 180 days delinquency. Additionally, any outstanding balance in excess of fair value of collateral less cost to sell is charged off (i) within 60 days of receipt of notification of filing from the bankruptcy court, (ii) within 60 days of determination of loss if all borrowers are deceased or (iii) within 90 days of discovery of fraudulent activity. Non-ACI loans secured by residential real estate are generally charged off at final resolution which is consistent with the terms of the Single Family Shared-Loss Agreement. Consumer loans are typically charged off at 120 days delinquency. Commercial loans are charged off when management deems them to be uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries are credited to the ALLL.

New and Non-ACI Loans

The new residential and home equity portfolio segments have not yet developed an observable loss trend. Due to several factors, there is a lack of similarity between the risk characteristics of new loans and covered loans in the residential and home equity portfolios. Those factors include elimination of wholesale origination channels, elimination of Alt-A and no document loans, enhancements to real estate appraisal policies, elimination of option ARMs and tightening of underwriting policies. Therefore, management does not believe it is appropriate to use the historical performance of the covered residential loans as a basis for calculating the ALLL applicable to the new loans. The ALLL for new 1-4 single family residential loans is based on average annual loss rates on prime residential mortgage securitizations issued between 2003 and 2008. Loans included in these securitizations have credit characteristics, such as loan-to-value ("LTV") and FICO scores, considered by management to be comparable to characteristics of loans in the new 1-4 single family residential portfolio. The ALLL for new home equity loans is based on peer group average historical loss rates as described further below.

Calculated loss frequency and severity percentages are applied to the UPB of non-ACI 1-4 single family residential mortgages and home equity loans and lines of credit to calculate the ALLL. Based on an analysis of historical portfolio performance, OREO and short sale data and other internal and external factors, management has concluded that historical performance by portfolio class is the best indicator of incurred loss for the non-ACI 1-4 single family residential and home equity portfolio classes. For each of these portfolio classes, a quarterly roll rate matrix is used to measure the rate at which loans move from one delinquency bucket to the next during a given quarter. An average four quarter roll rate matrix is used to estimate the amount within each delinquency bucket expected to roll to 120+ days delinquent. Loss severity given default is estimated based on internal data about short sales and OREO sales for the most recent twelve months. The ALLL calculation incorporates a 100% loss severity assumption for home equity loans and lines of credit projected to roll to 120 days delinquency.

The credit quality of loans in the residential portfolio segment may be impacted by fluctuations in home values, unemployment, general economic conditions, borrowers' financial circumstances and fluctuations in interest rates.

The new commercial loan portfolio has limited delinquency history and has not exhibited an observable loss trend. The credit quality of loans in this portfolio segment is impacted by general economic conditions and other factors that may influence debt service coverage generated by the borrowers' businesses as well as fluctuations in the value of real estate and other collateral. For loans evaluated individually for impairment and determined to be impaired, a specific allowance is established based on the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the estimated fair value of the loan, or for collateral dependent loans, the estimated fair value of collateral less costs to sell. Loans not individually determined to be impaired are grouped based on common risk characteristics. The ALLL for these portfolio segments is based primarily on peer group average historical loss rates and the Bank's internal credit risk rating system, using a four quarter loss emergence period and a twelve quarter loss experience period. The ALLL for municipal loans and lease receivables is based on a cumulative municipal default curve for obligations of credit quality comparable to those in the Company's portfolio, using a twelve quarter loss emergence period.

The peer group used to calculate average annual historical net charge-off rates that form the basis for the Bank's general reserves for new commercial, home equity and consumer loans is a group of 34 banks made up of the banks included in the OCC Midsize Bank Group and two additional banks in the New York region that management believes to be comparable based on size and nature of lending operations.

Qualitative adjustments are made to the ALLL when, based on management's judgment and experience, there are internal or external factors impacting incurred losses not taken into account by the quantitative calculations. Management has categorized potential qualitative adjustments into the following categories:


•	Portfolio performance trends, including trends in and the levels of delinquencies, non-performing loans and classified loans;


•	Changes in the nature of the portfolio and terms of the loans, specifically including the volume and nature of policy and procedural exceptions;


•	Portfolio growth trends;


•	Changes in lending policies and procedures, including credit and underwriting guidelines;


•	Economic factors, including unemployment rates and GDP growth rates;


•	Changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans secured by real estate;


•	Quality of risk ratings, as measured by changes in risk rating identified by our independent loan review function;


•	Credit concentrations;


•	Changes in credit administration management and staff; and


•	Other factors identified by management that may impact the level of losses inherent in the portfolio, including but not limited to competition and legal and regulatory requirements.

Revisions to ALLL inputs

Management revised the source or determination of inputs to the ALLL methodology in 2014, as follows:

•

The peer group used in calculating annual historical net charge-off rates used in determining general reserves for the majority of the new commercial, home equity and consumer portfolio segments was changed. Prior to 2014, a peer group of banks in the Southeast region of the U.S. was used for loans originated in the Florida market and a peer group of banks in the U.S. New York region was used for loans originated in the New York market. Management determined there was no longer a sufficient number of banks in the regional peer sets comparable to BankUnited in size and nature of lending operations.


•	The loss experience period used to calculate average historical net charge-off rates was extended from eight to twelve quarters to include sufficient history and better capture a range of observations reflecting the performance of loans originated in the current economic cycle.

ACI Loans

A specific valuation allowance related to an ACI loan or pool is established when quarterly evaluations of expected cash flows indicate it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all of the cash flows expected at acquisition plus any additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition. The amount of any necessary valuation allowance is measured by comparing the carrying value of the loan or pool to the updated net present value of expected cash flows for the loan or pool. In calculating the present value of expected cash flows for this purpose, changes in cash flows related to credit related factors are isolated from those related to changes in interest rate indices or prepayment assumptions. Alternatively, an improvement in the expected cash flows related to ACI loans results in a reduction of any previously established specific allowance with a corresponding credit to the provision for loan losses. A charge-off is taken for an individual ACI commercial loan when it is deemed probable that the loan will be resolved for an amount less than its carrying value.

Expected cash flows are estimated on a pool basis for ACI 1-4 single family residential and home equity loans. The analysis of expected pool cash flows incorporates updated pool level expected prepayment rate, default rate, delinquency level and loss severity given default assumptions. Prepayment, delinquency and default curves are derived primarily from roll rates generated from the historical performance of the portfolio over the immediately preceding four quarters. Loss severity given default is also generated from the historical performance of the portfolio over the immediately preceding four quarters. Estimates of default probability also incorporate updated LTV ratios, at the loan level, based on Case-Shiller Home Price Indices for the relevant Metropolitan Statistical Area ("MSA"). Costs and fees represent an additional component of loss on default and are projected using the "Making Home Affordable" cost factors provided by the Federal government.

The primary assumptions underlying estimates of expected cash flows for commercial ACI loans are default probability and severity of loss given default. Generally, updated cash flow assumptions are based primarily on net realizable value analyses prepared at the individual loan level. These analyses incorporate information about loan performance, collateral values, the financial condition of the borrower and other available information that may impact sources of repayment.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments

The reserve for unfunded commitments represents the estimated probable losses related to unfunded lending commitments. The reserve is calculated in a manner similar to the general reserve for new loans, while also considering the timing and likelihood that the available credit will be utilized as well as the exposure upon default. The reserve for unfunded commitments is presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, distinct from the ALLL, and adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other non-interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

FDIC Indemnification Asset

The FDIC indemnification asset was initially recorded at the time of the FSB Acquisition at fair value, measured as the present value of the estimated cash payments expected from the FDIC for probable losses on covered assets, consisting of loans, OREO and certain investment securities acquired from the FDIC. The FDIC indemnification asset is measured separately from the related covered assets. It is not contractually embedded in the covered assets and it is not transferrable with the covered assets should the Company choose to dispose of them.

Impairment of expected cash flows from covered assets results in an increase in cash flows expected to be collected from the FDIC. These increased expected cash flows from the FDIC are recognized as increases in the FDIC indemnification asset and as non-interest income in the same period that the impairment of the covered assets is recognized in the provision for loan losses. Increases in expected cash flows from covered assets result in decreases in cash flows expected to be collected from the FDIC. These decreases in expected cash flows from the FDIC are recognized immediately in earnings to the extent that they relate to a reversal of a previously recorded valuation allowance related to the covered assets. Any remaining decreases in cash flows expected to be collected from the FDIC are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the rate of accretion or amortization on the FDIC indemnification asset, consistent with the approach taken to recognize increases in expected cash flows on the covered assets. Amortization of the FDIC indemnification asset results from circumstances in which, due to improvement in expected cash flows from the covered assets, expected cash flows from the FDIC are less than the carrying value of the FDIC indemnification asset. Accretion or amortization of the FDIC indemnification asset is recognized in earnings using the effective interest method over the period during which cash flows from the FDIC are expected to be collected, which is limited to the lesser of the contractual term of the indemnification agreement and the remaining life of the indemnified assets.

Gains and losses from resolution of ACI loans are included in the income statement line item "Income from resolution of covered assets, net." These gains and losses represent the difference between the expected losses from ACI loans and consideration actually received in satisfaction of such loans that were resolved either by payment in full, foreclosure or short sale. The Company may also realize gains or losses on the sale or impairment of covered loans, covered investment securities or covered OREO. When the Company recognizes gains or losses related to the resolution, sale or impairment of covered assets in earnings, corresponding changes in the estimated amount recoverable from the FDIC under the Loss Sharing Agreements are reflected in the consolidated financial statements as increases or decreases in the FDIC indemnification asset and in the consolidated statement of income line item "Net loss on FDIC indemnification."

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank owned life insurance is carried at the amount that could be realized under the contract at the balance sheet date, which is typically cash surrender value. Changes in cash surrender value are recorded in non-interest income.

Other Real Estate Owned

OREO consists of real estate assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure. These assets are held for sale and are initially recorded at estimated fair value less costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, periodic valuations are performed and the assets are carried at the lower of the carrying amount at the date of foreclosure or estimated fair value less cost to sell. Significant property improvements are capitalized to the extent that the resulting carrying value does not exceed fair value less cost to sell. Legal fees, maintenance, taxes, insurance and other direct costs of holding and maintaining foreclosed properties are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill of $67 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013 represents the excess of consideration transferred in business combinations over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test in the third fiscal quarter. The Company has a single reporting unit. The impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no impairment is indicated. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, impairment of goodwill is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over its implied fair value. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is based on the market capitalization of the Company's common stock. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit at each impairment testing date substantially exceeded its carrying amount; therefore, no impairment of goodwill was indicated.

Intangible assets with determinable lives include core deposit intangible assets and other customer relationship intangible assets. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method, or for certain core deposit intangible assets using an accelerated method based on an exponential attrition curve. Intangible assets with determinable lives are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.

Equipment Under Operating Lease

Equipment under operating lease is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and is depreciated to estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the lease term. Estimated residual values are re-evaluated at least annually, based primarily on current residual value appraisals. Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the lease.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization and are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The lives of improvements to existing buildings are based on the lesser of the estimated remaining lives of the buildings or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the expected terms of the leases at inception, considering options to extend that are reasonably assured, or their useful lives. Direct costs of materials and services associated with developing or obtaining and implementing internal use computer software incurred during the application and development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software. The estimated useful lives of premises and equipment are as follows:


•	buildings and improvements - 30 years;


•	leasehold improvements - 5 to 20 years;


•	furniture, fixtures and equipment - 5 to 7 years;


•	computer equipment - 3 to 5 years; and


•	software and software licensing rights - 3 to 5 years.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for periods in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets when management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence that may impact the realization of deferred tax assets. These considerations include the amount of taxable income generated in statutory carryback periods, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies.

The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the related tax positions will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the tax positions. An uncertain tax position is a position taken in a previously filed tax return or a position expected to be taken in a future tax return that is not based on clear and unambiguous tax law. The Company measures tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. If the initial assessment fails to result in recognition of a tax benefit, the Company subsequently recognizes a tax benefit if (i) there are changes in tax law or case law that raise the likelihood of prevailing on the technical merits of the position to more-likely-than-not, (ii) the statute of limitations expires, or (iii) there is a completion of an examination resulting in a settlement of that tax year or position with the appropriate agency. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes.

Equity Based Compensation

The Company periodically grants nonqualified stock options or unvested or restricted shares of common stock to key employees. Compensation cost is measured based on the estimated fair value of the awards at the grant date and is recognized in earnings on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Compensation cost related to awards that embody performance conditions is recognized if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.

The fair value of unvested shares is based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. The value of shares granted with post-vesting restrictions as to transferability is reduced by a discount for lack of marketability. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model requires assumptions as to expected volatility, expected term, dividend yield, and risk free interest rates. Since the Company's common stock has limited trading history, the measurement of expected volatility incorporates the volatility of the common stock of peer companies. The expected term represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding from the grant date and is based on the contractual term of the options and employees' anticipated exercise behavior. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity rate corresponding to the expected term of the options at the date of grant. The expected dividend yield is determined based on historical dividend rates and dividends expected to be declared in the foreseeable future.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Interest rate swap agreements

Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest cash flows are exchanged over a prescribed period. Interest rate swaps are recorded as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Interest rate swaps that are used as a risk management tool to hedge the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments. The effective portion of the gain or loss on interest rate swaps designated and qualifying as cash flow hedging instruments is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments, if any, is recognized currently in earnings. Hedge effectiveness is assessed using the hypothetical derivative method. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of hedge ineffectiveness are performed quarterly.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, management determines that the designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate or the occurrence of the forecasted transaction is no longer probable. When hedge accounting is discontinued, any subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings. The cumulative unrealized gain or loss related to a discontinued cash flow hedge continues to be reported in AOCI unless it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period, in which case the cumulative unrealized gain or loss reported in AOCI is reclassified into earnings immediately.

Cash flows resulting from derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as hedges are classified in the cash flow statement in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items.

Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps not designated as, or not qualifying as, hedging instruments are recognized currently in earnings.

Derivative loan commitments

Interest rate lock commitments to originate mortgage loans to be held for sale upon funding are derivative instruments and are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings.

Forward loan sale commitments

Mandatory delivery forward loan sale commitments and best efforts forward loan sale commitments for which the loan to the underlying borrower has closed are derivative instruments and are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. A gain or loss is recognized in earnings upon completion of the sale based on the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying value of the assets. Control over the transferred assets is deemed to have been surrendered when: (i) the assets have been legally isolated from the Company, (ii) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (iii) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing income allocated to common stockholders for basic earnings per common share by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, reduced by average unvested stock awards. Unvested stock awards and stock option awards with non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, and participating preferred stock are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of basic earnings per common share using the two class method whereby net income is allocated between common stock and participating securities. In periods of a net loss, no allocation is made to participating securities as they are not contractually required to fund net losses. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing income allocated to common stockholders for basic earnings per common share, adjusted for earnings reallocated from participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period increased for the dilutive effect of unexercised stock options, warrants and unvested stock awards using the treasury stock method and by the dilutive effect of convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method. Contingently issuable shares are included in the calculation of earnings per common share as if the end of the respective period was the end of the contingency period.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts presented for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-04, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors and ASU 2014-14, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40) . The amendments in ASU 2014-04 clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy the loan through a deed in lieu of foreclosure or other similar legal agreement. In addition, entities are required to disclose the recorded investment in residential mortgage loans for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process. The amendments in ASU 2014-14 require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure and certain other conditions are met. The amendments in these updates are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company intends to adopt these updates prospectively effective January 1, 2015. Management does not expect adoption will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments in this update affect any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets unless those contracts, including leases and insurance contracts, are within the scope of other standards. The amendments establish a core principle requiring the recognition of revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for such goods or services. The amendments also require expanded disclosures concerning the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. For public entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and must be applied retrospectively. Early application is not permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of adoption.